Teacher Appreciation Week!
Teacher Appreciation Week!
Embedded Files
When we reflect on this academic year, it is hard to grasp all our educators have accomplished. Teachers have done so much!! From motivating remote learners, to balancing safety in the classroom, to maximizing the in-person time spent with students, this year has been challenging. Intervention specialists are creative, thoughtful, and flexible every day and this year, we have been challenged to new heights in order to support students. Your tireless dedication is noticed. Thank you!! You are heroes!
Resources for Parents
Resources for Parents
Two OSEP funded centers, TIES Center and the National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO), recently published four videos for parents of children with significant cognitive disabilities on support the learning of reading and math at home. We wanted to share these with all of you! Please share with our caregivers.
April 22, 2021
April 22, 2021
We are deeply saddened by the profound losses our Columbus City Schools' community has experienced this week. As an educator, I know I always ask what more could we have done? What could have been done differently? Our questions are compounded by the tragedies of racism and violence that made national news this week. In case you didn't get a chance to read/watch, here is Dr. Dixon's Message and Resources from the District. Please take time to process for yourself and take care of yourself. I am linking a couple additional resources below. However, I mostly wanted to post here to say that it is okay to not be okay and if you need to share, or support, or to process please reach out. As Dr. Dixon said, "enough is enough. "
Tips for Talking with Your Child with Special Needs about Tragedy
Helping Your Students Cope with Tragedy- ASCD
The Teacher's Role When Tragedy Strikes- Child Mind Institute
Spring Break, 2021!
Spring Break, 2021!
This spring break is certainly different than last year's! I feel hopeful every spring but this year especially. With vaccines available now to even some of our students (those 16 of age and older and with guardian consent), we can finally begin to envision what the future holds, "after COVID-19." Since January, our teams have tirelessly transitioned all our students back to buildings for blended learning. Supporting students as they navigate both remote and traditional classrooms is no small feat and our schedules have required countless revisions. We've partnered with Columbus Public Health for vaccine distribution, which has made vaccines easily accessible to those staff members able and willing to be vaccinated. Our Health Services Department has partnered with Nationwide Children's Hospital to provide coronavirus testing to our symptomatic students in buildings. We have modeled dedication and resilience. Last week, members of our team, including counselors and intervention specialists spoke with community stakeholders about how the transition to blended learning has gone for their students. Their stories exemplify the resiliency of our students and their adaptability when provided our guidance and care. The Virtual Family Engagement Session is linked here if you would like to watch your colleagues (about 20 minutes in). I hope you all have a wonderful break. I am grateful for this team and our students! -Kyra
February 15, 2021- Black History Month Resources
February 15, 2021- Black History Month Resources
Resources to celebrate and incorporate Black History Month into in-person or remote classrooms!
6 Teaching Tools for Black History Month- Edutopia
January 29, 2021 - Social Distance Movement
January 29, 2021 - Social Distance Movement
While preparing for next week, one of the most frequently asked questions we've received has been about facilitating movement breaks for students while maintaining social distancing protocols. Movement breaks are an important part of any day and we encourage teachers to remember that the expectation is not that students cannot move. We just need to monitor the proximity to other students and staff. Here are some resources for socially distanced movement breaks.
25 Fun Classroom Brain Breaks That Maintain Social Distancing
19 Brain Breaks for Distance Learning and Social Distanced Classrooms
Timely Resources- Jan 19, 2021
Timely Resources- Jan 19, 2021
With the eventful week ahead, we wanted to share a few resources. Please continue to monitor your email for updates regarding the return to hybrid learning and reach out with any questions. Thank you!
Remote Learning for Students with Complex Needs, ODE
How to Talk to Our Kids about Politics, NCH
Ensure Student Wellbeing in the Context of the 2020 Election, NASP
Inauguration Day Resources, Discovery Education
5 Inauguration Activities, HMH Blog
January 25, 2021
January 25, 2021
For many of you, this week marks a return to classrooms. As you work to prepare for students, amend schedules, and adjust to this transition, please reach out to your principals and special education leadership team with any questions. We are all working diligently to support you and get ready for students.
The Secondary English s this week includes PD opportunities for teachers. These can be found about halfway down the page.
Other Resources:
Timely Resources- Jan 19, 2021
Timely Resources- Jan 19, 2021
With the eventful week ahead, we wanted to share a few resources. Please continue to monitor your email for updates regarding the return to hybrid learning and reach out with any questions. Thank you!
Remote Learning for Students with Complex Needs, ODE
How to Talk to Our Kids about Politics, NCH
Ensure Student Wellbeing in the Context of the 2020 Election, NASP
Inauguration Day Resources, Discovery Education
5 Inauguration Activities, HMH Blog
Good Evening- Jan 6, 2021
Good Evening- Jan 6, 2021
After this challenging and shocking day, I wanted to share some resources. As educators, we are leaders and caregivers, especially during these difficult times. I hope you all take time to care for yourselves so that you can offer hope to our students.
Resources shared by Dr. Dixon:
Resources for families to help talk with their children about today’s events:
How to Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime and War, Common Sense Media
How to Talk to Your Children About the News, KidsHealth
How to Talk to Children about Difficult News, American Psychological Association
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Educators, National Association of School Psychologists
Additional Resources:
Caring for Students in the Wake of a Traumatic Event, 1/6/2021
Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence- free online course for prek-12, Managing Emotion in Times of Uncertainty & Stress
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
I hope you enjoyed the relaxing break you deserved! Thank you for your dedication to our students and families. You are working so hard and we value YOU!
As we welcome this new year, I know we all are looking forward to a time we may safely welcome students and one another onsite. Your leadership team is currently working on AASCD, both the new guidelines, training, and scheduling. The schedule trainings are:
AASCD Training Links for the Week of 1/11/21 - 1/15//21
PLEASE note - these are new training links so please disregard the training links that were sent in previous emails earlier this week. My Zoom account updated or crashed or “who knows” but the ones that were sent earlier no longer work!
Full-Day AASCD Administration Training (for those that have never administered AASCD)
Tuesday, January 12 (8:30 AM - 3:00 PM)
https://ccsoh-us.zoom.us/j/87525838375?pwd=Y0J0dFZoYnlIN3V4SVJ5Yk9sWWw2dz09
Half-Day AASCD “Refresher” Training (for those that have not administered in more than 2 years or want an update)
Thursday, January 14 (12:30 - 3:00 PM)
https://ccsoh-us.zoom.us/j/81959839796?pwd=R0N1TWJxOExRMGsxUllxOGQzU09NUT09
AASCD New Guidance Document Form Training (all ISs attend only one training session)
Wednesday, January 13 (7:30 - 9:00 AM)
https://ccsoh-us.zoom.us/j/84685829867?pwd=b091UHJZdlJGUHgwejlxQUJLQ1Zpdz09
Wednesday, January 13 (1:30 - 3:00 PM)
https://ccsoh-us.zoom.us/j/83506322471?pwd=N2p0ajBQRlcwQ1Rpb2JuMHBiYUlNUT09
Friday, January 15 (7:15 - 8:45 AM)
https://ccsoh-us.zoom.us/j/87589305282?pwd=N1FYaEtXU29WVm82M3E0WHlBdjRWdz09
CEUS for AASCD Spring Administration Training
If you are interested in receiving CEUs for the Full-day or Half-day AASCD Administration Training, please be sure to sign up through PDS. The course numbers are listed below:
Full-Day
January 12, 2021 (8:30 - 3:00; with a 30 minute lunch) - 40621
January 21, 2021 (8:30 - 3:00; with a 30 minute lunch) - 40622
“Refresher” (Half Day) Training Dates:
January 14, 2021 (12:30-3:00) - 40623
January 20, 2021 (8:30 - 11:00) - 40624
We will share information regarding summer opportunities for teachers and students soon as well. Information for the upcoming February 3 district PD is forthcoming too. Please continue to check this website for information and resources.
I also wanted to share that I know you all are experiencing successes and have ideas that we all could benefit from knowing. We will be adding a comment section to our site and in the meantime, please reach out to me via email. I would love to hear from you! --Kyra
November 2, 2020
November 2, 2020
Happy Monday!
We want to take a moment to extend our sincerest gratitude for your understanding and patience as we worked through the events of last week. We know that you were furiously working to prepare your building and your classrooms all the while awaiting information from us and the district regarding how our students will return to in-person learning. As we discussed in our “office hour” sessions, we look forward to continued partnership. In the meantime, please know that we continue to celebrate your hard-work and dedication to students and their families as you continue to provide amazing educational experiences for them.
Check out this new resource for student with disabilities: Supporting Learners with Complex Needs
We hope you have a wonderful week and will be in touch soon with more updates!
October 16, 2020 - Professional Development Links
October 16, 2020 - Professional Development Links
Below are the links for the professional development sessions that will be offered on Friday, October 16, 2020 by The Office of Special Education and Student Support Services. You will also find attached, documents that will need to be downloaded if you will be attending the Goalbook, S.P.I.R.E, and/or What Dog Did You Have in the Fight Today? sessions.
Meet and Greet 8:00am – 8:45am (Open to All)
https://ccsoh-us.zoom.us/j/83590308520?pwd=bjh3U2JDMUNiYUo0ZFJVcHhGY3EyQT09
Meeting ID: 835 9030 8520
Passcode: 295436
Moving from Compliance to Best Practices - IEP Refresher 11:00am -12:00am & 2:00pm -3:00PM (Open to All)
https://ccsoh-us.zoom.us/j/86057356029?pwd=ME5JbHR2TlJzRUxjdk9NdkVvbjZCdz09
Meeting ID: 860 5735 6029
Passcode: 606062
What Dog Did You Have in the Fight Today?– Part 1 10:00am – 11:00am (Open to All)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84999865085?pwd=MHBNRVUyRmN3Zy9qMGVodWw3M3pkUT09
Meeting ID: 849 9986 5085
Passcode: 865594
"What Dog Did You Have in the Fight Today? - Part 2 1:00pm – 2:00pm (Open to All)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87373990224?pwd=NUduRFJWZXZTeUN4empncndDYkVCZz09
Meeting ID: 873 7399 0224
Passcode: 969394
Goalbook -(Open to All)
9-10am Elementary Session–https://zoom.us/j/97345239775?pwd=ajRpYXo5T1liV3Z3b2hxeVdqaDNlUT09
9-10am Secondary Session–https://zoom.us/j/93634566147?pwd=ZmtyUyt0OXl4Y0RmL0RFUXV5cm10QT09
11am -12pm Elementary Session–https://zoom.us/j/92468594686?pwd=ZWg2cUYybmJZMHlpVndHRFJBSUJrdz09
11am -12pm Secondary Session–https://zoom.us/j/98143733191?pwd=ejhSZDlzVnIzT0lJY0pFZTkwQ0NhZz09
Stevenson Updates -Online Resources1:00 PM (Open to Sped personnel trained to use Stevenson materials)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86193963514?pwd=SEtCQldvaDRUb2ZGRytaaStJWTRVQT09
Meeting ID: 861 9396 3514
Passcode: Lcn2cR
S.P.I.R.E – Refresher11:00am (Open to Sped personnel trained to use S.P.I.R.E materials)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAqd-msqjgqGNT1YfI-pCfOa4Fiyamzkstz
Required materials – for this interactive zoom download and print the attached Activity documents. (It is set up to print 2-sided with blank pages intentionally placed for the backside.)
Vizzle –9:00am - 10:00am, 11:00am - 12:00pm, 1:00pm - 2:00pm & 3:00pm - 4:00pm (Open to ULS users)
Meeting ID: 985 8068 3180
On Demand Training Options:
Google Tips (Pre-recorded) -What is Google Drive and Docs? (Tech Day).mp4
"What Dog Did You Have in the Fight Today?" (Part 1 first half)
"What Dog Did You Have in the Fight Today?" (Part 1 second half)
Goalbook Link :
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5MQ66JW
Timeframe for Completion: 1pm on Friday 10/16, to 12pm on Friday 10/23 (training hyperlink will become inactive after that time)
Approximate Time Commitment: 45 minutes
We Made It!
We Made It!
We made it through the first week! I know this week brought questions and uncertainty. Please submit questions or feedback in this form or email me directly. We are dedicated to supporting you and growing our students no matter the setting! Thank you for extending grace and leaning into this hard work. For those interested, here is the supplemental contract application.
Continuity of Learning Plan Video and Supporting Document
Recording password: wJ4JFUTQ
August 26- Update -Intervention Specialists and CCSDA
August 26- Update -Intervention Specialists and CCSDA
Intervention Specialist’s role in the Digital Academy:
As per the MOU between CEA and CCS administration, intervention specialists are to serve all students on their caseload. This caseload can consist of students in both remote learning and enrolled in the CCS Digital Academy. The intervention specialist provides the Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) for both groups of students. This will not increase the maximum allowable caseload. If you are an intervention specialist with a student on CCSDA, you can meet with this student(s) during your contracted workday and incorporate all your students in small group meetings.
If there are students on a caseload who attend the Digital Academy and cannot be served during the contracted workday, intervention specialists can apply for a supplemental contract. The supplemental contract provides the teacher with financial compensation when working with students outside of the contracted workday. If the intervention specialist is selected for a supplemental contract, he/she may begin to provide the SDI outside of the workday. If you indicate that you are interested in supplemental and are selected, you may be asked to provide SDI to other students that cannot meet with their IS during the contract day. Teachers will not be paid for this work outside of the contracted day until they apply, and are selected to receive a supplemental contract.
Intervention specialists are not required to apply for a supplemental contract. If a teacher does not apply for the supplemental contract and has students who need to be seen after contracted hours, the students will be given to another teacher who is selected for a supplemental contract.
The IEP and progress notes for all students on the intervention specialist’s caseload should be written by the intervention specialist, not the supplemental teacher who is supplying the SDI. The student is still counted on your caseload. The intervention specialist should confer with the supplemental teacher for data and progress. The intervention specialist in the student’s school is the case manager for the student and thus responsible for all documentation of progress (IEP, Progress Notes, ETR).
Continuity of Learning Plan (Update):
Just in case you didn’t receive our previous communication ... CCS intervention specialists will review a Continuity of Learning Plan that has been embedded within the body of a PR-01 for each student on their assigned caseload at the start of the school year. The Continuity of Learning Plan will be implemented for this student throughout the Blended/Digital/Virtual Period. The CLP is based on the student’s current IEP with any necessary adaptations/changes needed in order to provide a FAPE during virtual instruction. Once the District is able to resume in person, traditional instruction, the services outlined in the IEP will be implemented in their entirety. Please note: Special education staff will be provided with an example of the Continuity of Learning Plan that has been embedded within the body of a PR-01with corresponding guidance.
Update:
The special education team will provide a recorded session of the Continuity of Learning Plan as embedded in the PR-01. The recorded session will be available by the end of the week. You can review the recorded session as often as you would like on your own time. We are composing a FAQ and will also push out the information.
UPDATE- ENTER SPED QUESTIONS HERE
(I am sorry for the confusion the fillable form caused)Welcome! August 24, 2020
Welcome! August 24, 2020
Hello,
What a summer this has been! As I revisited this site for updates, it was hard to believe we are welcoming the school year remotely. Despite our return in this unusual setting, I am confident that we will welcome our students with warmth and excitement! After all, we are accustomed to challenges and we can forge ahead. CCS has navigated many changes this summer and teams have worked tirelessly to begin this school year.
First, I want to welcome our new intervention specialists, therapists, assistants, and support staff! Thank you for joining our team. We look forward to learning and growing with you. Congratulations and good luck to our team members that are in new roles this year. Two new directors are joining us in Special Education & Student Support Services as well. Mikki Nelson, is our new director of Compliance & Related Services and Sherrell Benton is our new director of Academic Innovation & Programming! Together, they bring more than 40 years of experience to our department. Their email is at the bottom of each page on this site. I am thankful for all our new staff. This year brings unique obstacles and I appreciate team members that are willing start anew amidst uncertainty.
I know there are many questions. Please use this site as a resource for your planning and instruction. Scroll down on this main page to find our Summer Institute offerings. After you've reviewed this site, please use this form to ask any questions. Our SPED Leadership team will review throughout the day and provide a response via email. If it is a reoccurring question, we will update this site and make sure your SPED coordinators have the most current information to share with you as well.
UPDATE- ENTER SPED QUESTIONS HERE
(I am sorry for the confusion the fillable form caused)Let's talk Digital Academy (CCSDA) and the MOU. Intervention specialists that have students in their remote classroom and some students enrolled in CCSDA will receive a supplemental to provide SDI to students enrolled in CCSDA. Intervention specialists can meet with their students in CCSDA throughout the contracted work day. The supplemental is provided because some work (preparation, meetings with students and families, documenting) will likely occur after the contract day. If you are a teacher with students enrolled in CCSDA please enter your information in this form for the supplemental. Special Education coordinators can also sign up to support the CCSDA. This support could be provided to teachers with students enrolled in CCSDA. If you are a special education coordinator interested in the supporting please complete this form. (Completion of the form does not guarantee you will receive the supplemental).
Lastly, documentation is going to be key this year. Under the guidance of Ohio Department of Education, we are to provide and document our best faith efforts of service delivery. This SDI log is very similar to the one we shared last spring. You can save it to your google drive and share with your SPED coordinator. This form has a sheet for each student so that it is a one-stop shop for recording. Please download or copy this form to your google drive. Do not edit this link directly. :-) If you would rather document your SDI attempts/meetings in the PLP, you can. You do not need to do both! This is a suggested form to document your best faith attempts at providing SDI.
We begin this year with flexibility and grace, not just toward one another but toward our students, families and ourselves. I am thankful for you and honored to be part of this team. I hope you and your loved ones are well and remember to take yourselves. We need you! Your students need you!
Let's Rise Up!
Kyra
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